AC Repair – At-Home Fixes You Can Try Before Calling for a Professional

When you need AC Repair, you want an experienced technician to get the job done right. That’s why JD’s has a team of skilled professionals ready to diagnose and fix any problem that could affect your home’s comfort level. In this article, you’ll learn more about how your AC system functions, at-home fixes you can try before calling for an AC repair service, signs that indicate it’s time to call for a professional, and the benefits of regular maintenance.

Air conditioners depend on a complex system of pumps, condensers, and fans to operate correctly. As such, it’s not uncommon for the system to break down. But if you know what to look out for, you can catch problems before they get worse and save yourself the cost of costly repairs or replacement.

The most common signs of AC problems include reduced cooling efficiency, strange noises, and high energy bills. It’s also important to consider your system age, as newer models offer higher energy efficiency ratings and can reduce your electricity bills by up to 30%.

When your AC fails to produce cold air, it’s usually a sign that the evaporator coil is clogged with debris or has a refrigerant leak. A professional can use a vacuum cleaner or a garden hose to dislodge the clog and defrost the evaporator coil, allowing it to operate normally again.

Another common problem is when the capacitors wear out. The capacitors are small electrical switches that help turn on the compressor and fan motor in your AC unit. But if the capacitors become open, corroded, or damaged, they won’t be able to do this and your air conditioner will fail to start.

To prevent this, the HVAC industry recommends performing regular maintenance activities, such as cleaning filters and adjusting belts. This will help preserve optimum efficiency levels from season to season and reduce your chance of needing expensive AC repair services in the future.

If you suspect that your AC needs a refrigerant recharge, the technician will attach a recovery machine to the valves in order to safely remove any excess refrigerant from the system. Then, they’ll add the correct type and amount of refrigerant to restore the proper operating pressures in the system.

Before adding refrigerant to the system, the technician will perform a pressure test in order to determine whether or not there’s a leak in the system. If the AC repair technician discovers a leak, they’ll repair it before continuing to refill the system with refrigerant. Finally, they’ll test the system again to ensure it is functioning properly. If the technician notices any further issues, they’ll contact you to schedule a repair appointment. In most cases, repairing an AC system is cheaper and more efficient than replacing it. However, the decision should be based on your specific needs, budgets, and comfort expectations. Ultimately, the long-term savings and improved energy efficiency of a replacement unit can offset any short-term costs associated with repairing an older system.